The Charity Commission announced today, 9 September 2026, that it has concluded its investigation into four charities that were part of an ongoing statutory class inquiry. The charities are The Z.S.V. Trust, Bnois Jerusalem Schools, Forty Limited, and Friends Of Yeshiva Daas Sholem Shotz.
The regulator found evidence that all four charities issued open cheques between December 2021 and March 2023. While the Commission was satisfied that each charity was undertaking charitable activities, it made a finding of misconduct and/or mismanagement in all four cases. This was due to the use of blank or open cheques, which the Commission considers high risk and lacking effective oversight of charitable spending.
Since the investigation began, all four charities have confirmed to the Commission that they no longer use blank or open cheques. Those charities still operating have been issued with a Regulatory Action Plan to address governance weaknesses and improve internal financial controls. Trustees have also received regulatory advice and guidance.
Friends of Yeshiva Daas Sholem Shotz appointed a new trustee board before the inquiry opened, which led to the charity being wound up and removed from the public register. The wider statutory class inquiry, which involves several other charities, remains ongoing.